What's the differences between Z4 year 2003, 2004 & 2005?

[diverscorner]

Hi all!

I'm a newbie trying to get my first Z4. Can anyone enlighten me what's the significant difference (other than the price & year) between the Z4 year 2003, 2004 & 2005 models? any upgrades? better engine? I have been doing research online but no website can really tell me what's the difference. Thanks!

 

[gannet]

Welcome to the forum

I'm not aware of any major changes for those model years - could be wrong though :?

 

[2dogs]

Welcome

 

[pvr]

2003 had some quality issues, for example Petrol flaps falling off. No M seats available for 2003
2004 had better built quality, MP3 capable head unit from april onwards, brake force display lights from april onwards, bluetooth microphone on steering wheel instead of next to rear view mirror
2005 had better insulation in the doors to make them more solid, no orange in the indicators front, side or rears

 

[left98204]

2003 had some quality issues, for example Petrol flaps falling off. No M seats available for 2003
2004 had better built quality, MP3 capable head unit from april onwards, brake force display lights from april onwards, bluetooth microphone on steering wheel instead of next to rear view mirror
2005 had better insulation in the doors to make them more solid, no orange in the indicators front, side or rears

That has reminded me of the thing I like the least about my zed.

The door sounds awful when closed, really tinny and cheap. My fault for having a 04 54 plate I spose

 

[pvr]

Easily fixed by adding the material though.

 

[WaZZZZman]

I don’t think there are enough differences in those years to make that much difference. I would look at the condition, mileage and price rather than the year. When I got my 2004 there was a big swing in those evaluation points and it did not really matter about the year.

In my case another thing I considered was that the one I bought, still had some warranty time on it. The 2005 may still have some left and that would give you enough time to discover anything that you may want to have fixed under warranty. The other years are already probably gone past that time limit.

 

[WLH]

Actually my 2003 which was a December 2002 built did play MP3's unless I am having a serious senior moment...

 

[pvr]

You are indeed having one of those turns ...

 

[WLH]

You are indeed having one of those turns ...

Actually I had a problem with the original and it was replaced so it could have been the new model.
I did forget about that...

 

[Citation 650]

Easily fixed by adding the material though.

Do we know anyone who has done that?

 

[diverscorner]

Excellent! Thanks for the info guys! Great help...

 

[bras0782]

Easily fixed by adding the material though.

Do we know anyone who has done that?

Yes do tell

I hate the tinny noise :thumbsdown:

 

[zeddy]

The 3 litre engine was changed for 2006. Prior to 2006, the engine is about 160kw. After 2006 the engine is 195kw.

I took one of each for a test drive, and noticed the difference. I spent some more $$ and went with the 2006 3.0si.

 

[Shipkiller]

My 03 had Break Force Break Lights, until I fixed that idiotic idea...

10/02 build.....

 

[IMZ4N]

2003 had some quality issues, for example Petrol flaps falling off. No M seats available for 2003
2004 had better built quality, MP3 capable head unit from april onwards, brake force display lights from april onwards, bluetooth microphone on steering wheel instead of next to rear view mirror
2005 had better insulation in the doors to make them more solid, no orange in the indicators front, side or rears

IMHO a 04/04 build or newer would be the best choice. After that build the wiring harneses were more complete ( easier to mod because most all wireing was there ).

The 05 also had the clear third brake light.

The 03 did not have the one touch passenger side window operation only the driver window.

If you are looking at the steptronic trans, the 06 and newer has a six speed trans , the 05 and older has a 5 speed trans.

In 06 you have the larger motor,( 3.0) and the Si, M and coupe models.

06 and newer does not have a dipstick to check oil with.

03 and 04 does not have the round orange reflector on the front bumper.

06 and newer has curved reflectors in the flat area of the front fender .

04 and 05 have the updated ECU the ECU was also updated in 06.

06 and newer had the one touch three flash turn signals.

///M models have hydrolic steering assist 06 and older had electric assisted steering.

Thats all I can think of at the moment.

Sport and heated seats are a plus IMHO.

 

[halcyon]

Thanks for the post, this helps a bunch!!!!

 

[20ducks]

Thanks for the post, this helps a bunch!!!!

When do you take delivery, Josh?

 

[JamesF]

Easily fixed by adding the material though.

Do we know anyone who has done that?

Yes do tell

I hate the tinny noise :thumbsdown:

Add weight??

 

[halcyon]

Thanks for the post, this helps a bunch!!!!

When do you take delivery, Josh?

It is scheduled to be here in 23 days or less depending on the courier. I will be posting pics as soon as she/he shows up.

Again though, this thread is awesome and the information is super useful to anyone trying to decide which year to purchase. Of course if money is not object, most would pick a M coupe or roadster or 3.0si, but this list is great.